Lemon Tiramisu Recipe No Bake!

October 03, 2024

three image collage showcasing lemon tiramisu cut into squares and plated on a white plate. bottom images show a fork taking a bite of the dessert and also a look at the dessert in the baking dish. center color block with text overlay.

This sweet and tart Lemon Tiramisu recipe is so delicious and easy to make! Made with creamy mascarpone cheese, tart lemon curd and light and fluffy lady fingers. A tasty twist on the classic Italian recipe, this no bake, layered dessert is perfect for spring and summer and is sure to delight the lemon lovers in your life!

Looking for more delicious lemon recipes? Make sure to try my Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, Lemon Bars Recipe and No Bake Lemon Pie!

Lemon Tiramisu Recipe

This Lemon Tiramisu recipe is a tart and tasty twist on the classic Tiramisu recipe that is made with espresso or coffee. This summery version combines lemon curd, Lady Fingers and an irresistibly creamy layer made with lemon pudding, mascarpone cheese and freshly whipped cream. Such a refreshing spin on Tiramisu that is sure to be a hit with the lemon lovers in your life.

A little tart, a little sweet and a whole lot delicious! I made my own lemon curd for this recipe (because it’s SO easy and SO delicious) but you can absolutely grab a jar at the store to make it easier to prepare. This no bake recipe is perfect for spring, summer and anytime you’re craving a lemon dessert. A truly stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Tiramisu recipe is a quick and easy, no-bake dessert that’s bursting with fresh lemon flavor! If you love lemon desserts as much as I do, this recipe is a must-try!

Quick and easy. This recipe comes together so quickly and can be made in advance which makes it perfect for entertaining.
Versatile. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed any time during the year.
Suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or holiday party, the Lemon Tiramisu is just the right dessert. Layers of lemon lusciousness are sure to be welcome at any gathering.

Tiramisu Ingredients

This yummy no bake dessert is a lemon twist on the classic Italian favorite, featuring tart lemon curd, mascarpone cheese, whipped cream and fluffy lady fingers. Perfect for summertime parties, brunches, or any time you’re craving something sweet. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

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lemonade – Instead of dipping the Ladyfingers in espresso or coffee like you would in a traditional Tiramisu recipe, we’re dipping the Ladyfingers in lemonade. You can make your own or Simply Lemonade is a great option if you’re going the store bought route.
Lady Fingers – Another traditional ingredient in tiramisu, these soft cookies add a wonderful texture to the dessert. I used these lady fingers but any brand will work. If you cannot find Lady Ffingers, you can substitute sponge cake, pound cake or even angel food cake in this recipe.
lemon curd – I love making homemade lemon curd but you can use your favorite brand of lemon curd instead to make quick work of this easy dessert.
heavy cream – The heavy cream is whipped together with lemon pudding mix, lemon zest, mascarpone cheese and powdered sugar to create a creamy, heavenly layer.
lemon zest – Adds loads of fresh lemon flavor to the lemon pudding layer.
powdered sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the whipped cream.
instant lemon pudding mix – Creates a creamy, thick layer full of lemon flavor. You won’t need the whole package so make sure to measure it out.
mascarpone cheese – A traditional ingredient in tiramisu recipes, the mascarpone adds richness and creaminess to the dessert. Provides a rich and creamy base for the mascarpone layer.

Optional Garnishes

This dessert is pretty enough to serve on it’s own but here are some ideas for optional garnishes:

lemon slices
strawberries
fresh mint

How To Make Lemon Tiramisu

Prep. Lightly spray a 9 inch square baking dish with nonstick baking spray.

Lady Fingers. Dip the lady fingers in the lemonade (I like to use tongs), turn to fully coat and then place in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.

Lemon Pudding. Prepare the lemon pudding mixture by combining the heavy cream and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl and beating for one to two minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon pudding mix and continue beating until the mixture is thick and creamy. Add the mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth and combined. Spread about half of the mixture over the lemon curd.

Repeat Layers. Repeat, creating another layer of lady fingers, lemon curd and finally the remaining lemon pudding mixture, making sure to spread it into an even layer.

Chill and Serve. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. Top with lemon slices, strawberries or fresh mint, cut into squares and serve!

Storage Information

Store leftover Lemon Tiramisu in the refrigerator, in airtight container, for up to 3 days. Likewise, if planning on making in advance, prepare the tiramisu, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 or 3 days before serving. I do not recommend freezing the tiramisu. The tiramisu is best enjoyed within 2 days of making.

Variations to Try

The classic Tiramisu recipe can be reimagined in so many different ways, including this delicious lemon version. Here are some more variations to try – all of which are delicious!

Chocolate Lovers. Swap out the lemon curd for chocolate ganache and use chocolate pudding mix instead of lemon.
Strawberry Tiramisu. This version uses fresh strawberries and is sooo good!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this tiramisu recipe be frozen?

I don’t recommend it as the texture and consistency will be negatively impacted.

Can I use another flavor of pudding mix?

Sure! White chocolate or vanilla would be delicious in this recipe.

I can’t find ladyfingers, what else can I use?

Ladyfingers are traditionally used in tiramisu but sponge cake, angel food cake or even pound cake are also great options.

Can I make this Lemon Tiramisu in advance?

Yes! This recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance but I find it is best within the first day or two.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the lemon curd and pudding and whipped cream layers.
Any size dish can be used for this recipe but keep in mind you may have to cut or tear the lady fingers into smaller pieces to fit the dish.
Can’t find mascarpone cheese? Try a mixture of cream cheese and ricotta cheese instead.

More Luscious Lemon Desserts You’ll Love

Lemon Cookies

Lemon Zucchini Cake

Limoncello Cake

Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

How To Make Lemon Tiramisu

Lemon Tiramisu

This sweet and tart Lemon Tiramisu recipe is so delicious and easy to make! Made with creamy mascarpone cheese, tart lemon curd and light and fluffy lady fingers. A tasty twist on the classic Italian recipe, this no bake, layered dessert is perfect for spring and summer and is sure to delight the lemon lovers in your life!

Prep Time 20 Chill Time 6 Servings Calories 315kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

¾ cup lemonade Simply Lemonade is a great option
12 ounce Ladyfingers buy (2) 7 ounce packs
1 ½ cups lemon curd homemade or store bought
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon lemon zest
⅔ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup instant lemon pudding mix you won't need the whole package
8 ounces mascarpone cheese

Garnish

lemon slices optional
strawberries optional
fresh mint optional

Instructions

Spray a 9 inch square baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
Add the lemonade to a small shallow dish or bowl. Dip the Ladyfingers into the lemonade, turning to fully coat (I like to use tongs), allow the excess to drip off and place the Ladyfingers in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
Evenly spread about half of the lemon curd over the top of the ladyfingers.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and lemon zest and beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer for one to two minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon pudding mix and continue beating, scraping down the bottom and sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Add the mascarpone cheese to the pudding mixture and beat until smooth and combined. Spread about half of the pudding mixture over the lemon curd.
Add another layer of Ladyfingers (dip in the lemonade and allow excess to drip off).
Evenly spread the remaining half of the lemon curd on top of the second layer of ladyfingers.
Gently spread the remaining pudding mixture into an even layer on top.
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight).
When ready to serve, garnish with fresh lemon slices, strawberries or mint, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

Nutrition

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